"So what?" Cooper was so angry he nearly burst a blood vessel. He couldn't tell if she was putting on an act or if she genuinely didn't care. Over the past few years, he had seriously devoted himself to this "trophy-blocking" plan—and had done quite well for himself, collecting several accolades. And yet now, in her mouth, it all boiled down to just three dismissive words: "So what?"
The sense of accomplishment he once felt when his investments won awards—gone in an instant.
Before he could dwell in his frustration, Laila had already opened her mouth again.
"Mr. Cooper, I think you should understand one thing. The moment you picked up the phone to call me, you lost the initiative. Whatever little schemes you're cooking up now are pointless. Because I already know the situation you're in. Just like you said, Faisal is a ruthless man. So if someone like you, who's always been close to him, suddenly gives me a call—what do you think would happen if he found out? Do you think you have any other options left?"
Cooper broke out in a cold sweat. All this time, he had attributed her success to luck and the backing of the Moran family. But now, he was speaking directly to her—there was no time for her to consult others. Which meant everything she was saying now came from her own mind.
This young woman—at least twenty or thirty years younger than him—was this sharp, this calculated… Could it be that all her achievements over the years were really the result of her own ability?
Cooper didn't want to admit it, but he couldn't find any other explanation to convince himself otherwise. After a few seconds of silence, he finally said hoarsely, "That's right. He's making me cover the losses from the Green Lantern investment and the costs of the failed plan to frame you."
At this point, he had no choice but to tell the truth.
Laila didn't know Faisal well, but based on his behavior, this sort of thing didn't surprise her in the least. Dealing with someone that dangerous—someone who didn't value human life—was like trying to negotiate with a tiger.
Cooper thought he was smart, that he could navigate danger with finesse. But Faisal didn't bother with mind games or manipulation—his fists alone were a threat enough.
If even Faisal could twist Cooper around at will, why should she see him as anything impressive?
Laila let out a faint, self-deprecating chuckle. It seemed she'd been too good at playing the role of the "nice guy," so much so that everyone believed it. The truth was, she didn't want her films tainted by darkness when she had the power to stop it. But if she wanted to do something else—how far could she go? Even she didn't want to think about that.
Never underestimate a woman's mind. Even reading palace intrigue or domestic drama novels should make that clear—what women are capable of, men might go their whole lives never realizing.
"So what now? You can't survive under him anymore, so you want me to help kick him out of the U.S.?"
That was Cooper's intention. If possible, he would've preferred to see Laila and Faisal destroy each other, so neither would ever show up in front of him again.
But he knew that was just wishful thinking. So between the two, he chose Laila. At least in his eyes, she still played by the rules. Look at how long they'd been at odds—yet she had never done anything to him outside the film industry. That alone told him that being her enemy wouldn't cost him his life.
Faisal, on the other hand, wouldn't blink before killing him—or his family.
Of course, he wasn't dumb enough to say that out loud.
"Yes, I really do hope for that," he admitted.
Laila smiled silently.
"And why should I help you? You say Faisal is a threat to me—but I'm not seeing it. On the other hand, you and I definitely have some issues. Should I refresh your memory with the reviews you wrote about my films?"
"..." Cooper's mouth twitched hard. If he had a chance to do it all over again, he swore—he'd still do the same thing. But this time, he'd stay far, far away from Faisal. He wouldn't let himself be lured in by those checks with all the pretty zeros.
Thinking back on it now, it all made sense. That man had thrown money around so casually because he knew Cooper would never be able to actually pocket all of it. In fact, Cooper might even end up losing more than he made. Over a hundred million dollars—he had been the one being generous, alright.
"I was wrong before. I promise I won't target you again. Is that good enough?" The situation had driven him to swallow his pride. He no longer clung to dignity. As long as his wife and family could return to the peaceful, happy life they once had—even if it meant he went to jail—he could accept it.
Laila raised an eyebrow. That wasn't what she wanted to hear.
"Mr. Cooper, let me put it this way: I personally welcome all those reviews you wrote about my movies!"
Why wouldn't she? He'd drawn in so much attention for her—better than paid advertising!
Cooper thought she was being sarcastic. "I mean it. If you can get Faisal kicked out of the U.S., I swear—on paper, in court, or even before God himself—I'll never come after you again, or anyone associated with you!"
Laila was speechless. She was being serious, and here he was, completely misinterpreting her.
"I am serious, Mr. Cooper. You really don't need to do that." His criticism had been better than any PR campaign—who wouldn't want that? If she could, she'd shout, "Bring on your critiques—make them even more intense!"
"Moran! I know I've made mistakes, and yes—I really am desperate this time. You don't have to trust me, but don't doubt my sincerity!"
Cooper was angry, flustered, and bitterly frustrated.
He'd been in Hollywood for so many years—when had he ever been played so completely by a little girl? Yes, he'd targeted her before, and it would be understandable if she wanted revenge. But he really didn't have time to argue anymore. For all he knew, even as he was making this call, those tracking him had already found leads on his family.
"I'm begging you. Is that enough?" he choked out.
Hearing the suppressed sobs from the other end of the line, Laila felt a strange mix of emotions. She had been the one smeared for years—and now she somehow felt like the bully?
"Mr. Cooper, the person who's after you is Faisal," she said. Not me, alright?
But even that simple reminder sounded like a threat in Cooper's ears.
"That's right, I know it's him—you don't need to remind me. Just tell me what you want me to do. As long as it's within my power, I'll do anything."